The effect of high-intensity versus low-level laser therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis: a randomized clinical trial 38
Banu Ordahan, Ali Yavuz Karahan, Ercan Kaydok
Published in: Lasers in Medical Science, 2018 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-018-2497-6
This clinical trial compared high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) to low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in treating plantar fasciitis symptoms.
Seventy-five patients with plantar fasciitis unresponsive to conservative treatment were enrolled in the trial. Patients were randomized to receive HILT or LLLT. Both groups completed 3 treatment sessions per week for 3 weeks.
•
HILT group: Patients received treatment with a 12 W laser. The first 3 sessions used pulsed wave therapy for 75 seconds, 8 W, 6 J/cm 2 . The following 6 sessions used continuous wave therapy for 30 seconds, 6 W, 120-150 J/cm 2 .
• LLLT group: Patients received treatment from a laser with an output power of 240 mW. Treatment was given over the tendon insertion at 0.16 W/cm 2 and over the medial border of the fascia at 0.08 W/cm 2 . Each treatment session was for 157.5 seconds.
In addition to laser therapy, both groups were instructed to wear an insole and to complete home exercises twice daily.
Patients were assessed for pain using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Heel Tenderness Index (HTI). They were evaluated for function and quality of life using the Foot and Ankle Outcomes Score (FAOS).
After 3 weeks of treatment, both the HILT and LLLT groups showed significant improvement in all of the outcome measures. However, the HILT group improved significantly more than the LLLT group. For example, VAS scores decreased by 33.4% for the LLLT group but the HILT group scores decreased by 69%.
It can be concluded from the study that HILT and LLLT improve patient pain, function, and quality of life. However, HILT gives plantar fasciitis patients even better outcomes than LLLT.
26
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting